5

Start up, operational monitoring & H2S

Module 5describes the procedures used to start-up an anaerobic digester and to monitor digester operations. The module begins by revisiting the AD process and then focuses on the seven keys to effective digester operation as described by Zickefoose and Hayes. Simple process monitoring, as described by Cornell's Manure Management program, is referenced and results from VTCAD are presented. Special attention is paid to the issue of the corrosive and toxic biogas component, H2S and methods for preventing H2S formation and scrubbing H2S from biogas are reviewed.